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A state-of-the-art £100 million nuclear submarine building complex, used to outfit and test the most advanced submarines in the Royal Navy's fleet, has been officially opened by defence secretary Gavin Williamson.

The 175,000 sq ft Central Yard Facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was built by Morgan Sindall for defence giant BAE Systems.

Comprising production, workshop and office facilities, the Central Yard Facility also features two cranes, each with a 150 tonne capacity and a 60m span.

Andrew Parker, director of defence at Morgan Sindall, said: “The complexity and scale of the site, coupled with the building’s design requirements meant that the project required a team with particular expertise, and experience of working in partnership with defence contractors.

“We’re incredibly proud to have successfully delivered this project in collaboration with our sister company, BakerHicks. It is not only of vital importance to both BAE Systems, and the MOD, but also to the people of Barrow.”

Allan Day, BAE Systems Submarines Facilities Programme Director, said: "The Central Yard Facility is a key component for the delivery of the Dreadnought programme, so it was a real privilege to witness it being formally opened by the defence secretary.

"His visit to Barrow was the culmination of many years' hard work and collaboration by BAE Systems, Morgan Sindall and its sub-contractors."

The defence secretary also used his visit to announce a further £2.5bn investment into the country’s nuclear submarine programme. The Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £1.5bn contract for delivery of the seventh Astute class submarine, alongside a further £900m for the next phase of the Dreadnought submarine programme.

During his visit, the Defence Secretary named the seventh and final submarine in the Astute class as Agincourt.

The investment has been hailed as a huge vote of confidence in the Barrow facility and vital for the wider region.It will secure more than 8,000 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider supply chain.

Defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “Not only is this a massive boost for our armed forces, but it’s huge for Barrow, the heart of sub-building in this country.

“Today’s news supports around 8,000 BAE Systems submarine jobs, as well as thousands more in the supply chain, protecting prosperity and providing opportunity right across the country.”

Click the image below to watch a timelapse video of the construction of the facility at the BAE Systems website.

For more information about this news release please contact Jonathan Daly at Influential on 0161 804 1400 or email daly@thisisinfluential.com